Brushing Wet Hair Could Ruin Your Locks, Experts Warn

Every day, millions reach for a hairbrush as part of their beauty ritual, but here’s a startling heads-up: brushing your hair while it’s wet might be doing more damage than you think. Experts are sounding the alarm that this common habit could weaken your locks at a molecular level, leading to breakage and thinning over time.

Dr. Mehmet Erdogan, a hair transplant surgeon and co-founder of Smile Hair Clinic in Istanbul, explains that wet hair undergoes significant physical changes. 'Water causes the hair shaft to swell and stretches the cuticle, making it far more prone to snapping under the stress of brushing,' he warns. This isn’t just a surface-level issue; the internal protein structure of the hair gets compromised, leaving it permanently weaker as it dries.

Supporting this, a 2022 study from the University of Manchester found that moisture alters how hair responds to stress. Contrary to what some might believe, wet hair stretching more before breaking doesn’t mean it’s tougher—it’s a sign of vulnerability. Add a brush to the equation, and you’ve got a recipe for structural damage.

Over in Westchester, New York, Ashley DiMatteo, owner of Ashley Lauren Beauty Lounge, confirms seeing this kind of damage firsthand. 'Wet hair is fragile, and rough brushing can cause serious breakage,' she notes. Her team, including color specialist Brianna Delvecchio, points out that it’s often not just one bad habit at play—stress, hormones, heat styling, and chemical treatments pile on the harm, especially for those with fine or processed hair.

But don’t ditch the brush just yet. Skipping it altogether can lead to a tangled, matted mess. The key, experts agree, is to brush with care. 'Be gentle and use the right tools,' advises Delvecchio. A wide-tooth comb or a flexible detangling brush can work wonders without pulling too hard. Starting from the ends and working your way up, paired with a hydrating leave-in product, can also ease the process.

Another tip? Let straight hair partially air-dry before combing, and always keep heat styling to a minimum on wet strands—adding heat can amplify the damage. Overall, it’s about treating your hair with a little more TLC. As Delvecchio puts it, 'Go easy on your hair. Use heat protectants, avoid overprocessing, and keep up with trims. With the right habits, your hair can stay strong and vibrant.'